The second California Polytechnic State University student injured in a deadly train crash in Spain has been identified as Austin Hartman, a junior business administration major. Hartman sustained severe traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures and extensive lacerations, and faces multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery period.
Hartman was on board a high-speed train when it collided with a stationary locomotive near the town of Udra. The crash killed 69 people and injured 80 others, with two train cars derailed. Hartman's injuries include severe fractures to his pelvis, hip, femur, humerus, ribs, and lumbar vertebrae. He also suffered significant orthopedic injuries and lacerations to his face and body. For the first 24 hours after the crash, he required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory and circulation complications.
He is not expected to return to the United States for at least two months. His family is fundraising for his medical expenses through a GoFundMe campaign.
The other identified student injured in the crash is Leah Silver-Fajardo, a third-year neuropsychology student. She also sustained serious injuries, including fractures to her knee, pelvis, and ribs, as well as bruised lungs, cuts, and burns. Her family is also seeking donations for her recovery.
Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier confirmed that two of their students were receiving medical attention and that the university is in contact with the U.S. Embassy and study abroad partners in Spain. The university is also reaching out to its students studying in Spain and across Europe to offer support.
An investigation into the crash indicated that a computer failure and apparent human error contributed to the collision. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed the nation's grief, stating that "lives have been shattered, families have been torn apart."